MARCH IN THE GARDEN
2010

Looking back to what I wrote last year I see
we are even later this year. The snowdrops are at their
very best, even better than last month. The species crocus are
looking very pretty too. Primroses and hellebores are just
starting into bloom.
The birds, which I feed very well, still cannot resist tearing
the bright yellow crocus and beheading them, I have also
noticed some snowdrop heads have been pecked off.
Now is the time to change the birds diet a little to high
energy fat balls and blocks, they would also appreciate
some meal worms.
The birds are beginning to look out nesting places so please
leave hedges until late June or July now.  

We are pruning our roses and clematis and cutting down
honey suckle, passion flower (has it survived?) and solanun
which have run riot. We are cutting back the herbaceous plants
and generally tidying up. I have had great success with the
penstemon cuttings and they are ready to be potted on.

I have sown my peppers and indoor tomatoes these are now
in the propagator, also sown are some leaves for cutting for
early salads and some lettuce. I have a huge selection of seeds
to try out this year and now is the time to start sowing.

Remember when walking on the bare earth to use a plank so
the soil does not get compacted. The garlic is up and
looking good, soon the shallots and broad beans can be
planted outside.
 
I have ordered some plants for my hanging baskets.
The big mail order firms are offering good discounts
on fuchsias and geraniums. These plants won’t be delivered
until April and then they can go straight into the baskets.
 
Spring starts in 3 weeks so fingers crossed for better weather.
 _________________________________________________________